Race News

La Vuelta 2014

Stage 1: Jerez de la Frontera (TTT) 12.6km

Movistar break hearts with last ride win in TTT

Movistar pulled out a stunning ride to surpass Cannondale with the last ride of the day in the opening Team Time Trial at La Vuelta 2014.

Cannondale had maintained the top slot for what seemed an eternity with team after failing to produce enough to knock them aside. That was until Movistar produced an astonishing performance to go six seconds better over the 12.6km course in Jerez. Orica GreenEdge claimed third spot just 0.1 secs behind Cannondale.

As first man over the line Jonathan Castroviejo had the honour of donning the red jersey of race leader. It was a shrewed if accidental outcome given the obvious rivalry within the team between Nairo Quintana and Alejandro Valverde. The former is smarting from being left out of the Tour de France squad in favour of Valverde despite winning the Giro back in May.

Both Chris Froome (Sky) and Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) survived their first competitive outing since having to abandon the Tour de France. Neither team shone particularly brightly.